December | Event: With A Bang

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With A Bang↲ OOC Plotting

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In the weeks following that rather heavy announcement, anxiety and unease become familiar emotions among the refugees. Eventually, rumors begin circulating throughout the city, as the "first" anniversary of the time loop's end draws ever closer. Even without concrete evidence, it seems some among the native population have started to believe that time will simply loop again as well.

But the refugees have more than a few powerful allies on their side, and with a little bit of work and a little bit of love, they'll find a way to move forward into next year.

For The Big Night

As the day of the potential loop draws near, all refugees will find themselves receiving a special invitation to a Winter Gala being held at the Imperial Palace in Nihonbashi on the night of the 24th. The refugees themselves are the guests of honor, with the Emperor of the East scheduled to be making an appearance. Surely this can't be a coincidence, right?

But unlike the casual atmosphere of the Western Emperor, here in the East, this is likely to be a far more formal affair. Thankfully, they'll have a few opportunities to prepare themselves before the Gala itself.

Dance Dance Perpetuation Yoshiwara, Tokyo
For a fancy Winter Gala being held in the Imperial Palace, it goes without saying that there's going to be dancing. And for those who don't know how, they'll find a certain dance troupe in Yoshiwara is offering free lessons for all refugees attending the Gala.

The dances range from a formal Waltz to traditional dances native to Nippon, with the instructors patiently teaching the steps and correcting dancers as they practice in their studio. They even offer to let the Refugees borrow some of their costumes to practice dancing in more restrictive wear.

But their patience has a limit, and their offer, an ulterior motive. Because the costumes they offer are no ordinary costumes. Built into the fabric is a special magic-conducive material that connects to a small magi-tech device hidden under the collar of each outfit. And when activated, this magi-tech will cause the wearer to move against their will, following the dance routines programmed into the device. Supposedly, these are used for training beginners, as well as ensuring that dancers who need to sync up with one another can do so seamlessly.

Of course, the reality is they're mostly just used for hazing newbies, because the sensation of having your body dance dance dance the night away against your will is unpleasant. But hey, at least you'll remember the steps!

Binary Blowout Shibuya, Tokyo
Over in Shibuya, the Central Station Department Store is holding a special winter sale for couples purchasing matching outfits for ringing in the new year. Thankfully, couples won't have to do anything embarrassing to prove they're together in order to get the sale, and merely need to buy one half of a matching set at the same time.

For the most part, these outfits will consist of traditional kimono and hakama sets. However, it seems gender equality was not taken into consideration for this sale, and with few exceptions, couples looking for up to 75% off luxury clothing may find themselves forced to pick who gets the masculine hakama set in muted colors and who gets the bright and colorful floral kimono set (complete with matching hair accessories). Unfortunately, this seems to extend into their more Western styles as well, perhaps to a more extreme degree. Flapper dresses and fancy suits? Well, at least the sizes are inclusive?

Thankfully, given the cost reduction, it's still worth it to buy the full set versus buying only one half. But seeing as the sets do need to be purchased at the same time by the couple, and the ever so helpful employees will insist on giving each person a proper fitting and even offer professional photos, this may just end up being a more embarrassing experience than they expected.

Winter Wonderland

At last, the day of the party arrives! The palace is tucked away in a large garden in Nihonbashi, set atop a man-made island with a moat surrounding it. No doubt a common sight when traveling through the city, this will be the first time any refugees have been allowed to enter the castle grounds.

Inside the castle proper, the entire main hall has been fitted with a wintry theme, complete with magi-tech powered snowflakes that aren't cold, but fall gently from the ceiling and disappear before touching the floor. As the guests of honor settle in, the Emperor himself makes an appearance, dressed in extravagant blue robes and speaking in a soft, gentle voice.

"Greetings, my dear time refugees. Although previous circumstances prevented me from extending you all a proper introduction sooner, tonight I shall hope to make up for it.

I am Karu, Emperor of the East, and the one responsible for initiating the Time Refugee Project. Although it is customary in Nippon to address me by my title, Tennō, I do not wish to impose such formalities on all of you. Call me as you will.

I am well aware of the many difficulties our world has imposed on you. Hence forth, I hope to become a more reliable ally for all of you in this world. It is my hope that together, we can move forward towards a brighter future, both here in Nippon and in all of your home worlds."

After delivering his speech, he can be found mostly surrounded by his attendants and just quietly enjoying the atmosphere. While guests are welcome to speak with him, they may be quick to notice that he's not quite as eloquent when his words aren't pre-written.

Sus Snax Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi
Beautiful decor aside, the Gala has a live orchestra supplying the music, which seems to be of a more classical affair, with a Nippon-like twist. Dances will shift from playfully energetic to slower and more romantic as the night draws on. Enjoy a slow dance with a sweetie? It might just be your last chance before time resets at the end of the night.

And of course, no party would be complete without plenty of food and drink. Drinks are unlimited, with no shortage of beer, locally-brewed sake, and very expensive wines imported from before the time surges made international travel too dangerous. Should the Emperor really be giving this out for free? If asked, the attendants managing the party will simply explain that the Emperor is not very fond of alcohol, and wishes to share the collection he's acquired over the years with those who will enjoy it.

But at some point after the party has begun, some rather mysterious snacks make an appearance. Although looking like perfectly innocent manju, just one sniff will reveal the unmistakable scent of Uki weed laced within the sugary treat. How did someone smuggle these into the Imperial Palace of all places?? Well, as long as no one's a killjoy, the attendants won't recognize the scent, and the snacks will remain until they've all been eaten!

But what of those looking for a little... privacy? There's far more to the palace than just the main hall, and with just a little sneaking around, they'll find a door that leads to the upper floors. Despite being closed off, it looks like some of them have been decorated for the season as well, although it only takes a glance to see that most of the rooms are clearly unused. Wasn't this the Emperor's home? Well, regardless, there's still plenty of futons to be found in the closet of each tatami-lined room, so there's no reason that guests can't have a little fun in secret.

Mistleno Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi
It seems there's some other sort of trickery afoot at this Gala. All around the main hall, and even in some of the private hallways and outdoor areas, colorful paper cranes can be found hanging from doorways and ceilings. There's only ever one, and they seem to following some kind of colorful theme. Naturally, it should come as no surprise that these little fellas are enchanted, with different effects triggering depending on the color of the crane itself.

The red cranes will cause whoever walks under it to kiss the first person they see. A second variety, with a glittery sheen, will instead make them seek out someone they've never kissed before for a smooch.

The orange cranes will cause whoever walks under them to spontaneously teleport to the side of the last person they were thinking about, whether they want to be there or not. It seems someone thought it was funny to stick one of these above the bathrooms...

The green cranes will only cause an effect if two people walk under one at the same time. This crane will cause their minds to switch places, putting them in the other person's body. Passing under additional green cranes while the effect is still present will cause another swap, until no one knows who anyone is anymore.

The blue cranes will cause whoever passes under it to suddenly confess something out loud to the first person they see. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be a major secret, and may even just cause them to offer a spontaneous compliment, or admit they've have a little bit of the Uki snacks from earlier.

The purple cranes will manifest a random Kizuna effect that may linger for the rest of the night. This can be anything, from a mild physical change like growing flowers in their hair, to a severe mental change like intense levels of possessiveness.

And the pink cranes are of the most predictable sort, causing whoever passes under one to become almost insatiably horny. Thankfully, these ones are the rarest.

But how long will the effects last? Good question! Although none will last past midnight, the range seems to be anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. If pointed out to the Emperor's attendants, they'll immediately begin trying to remove them, but the cranes will simply take flight and flutter to another hidden location. So they weren't intentional, after all... so who put them there?

Party Crashers

As the evening progresses, the source of the mysterious Uki and magical paper cranes is revealed, when a number of Yokai abruptly crash the party. But this is no ordinary group of party crashers, as they're all dressed in imperial regalia, and are joined by the Emperor of the West himself, Katsuragi no Mikoto.

"Salutations, my dear guests from another world! Please, do not let me and my entourage disturb you! You see, I simply have very important business with a certain Karu-chan who stood me up last summer... no regrets, right?"

After a brief kerfuffle, the two emperors quickly take their leave to the very private balcony that absolutely no one can sneak into or blatantly peek at from the windows, not at all. Those hoping for a steamy scene may leave a little disappointed, but the lingering glances and shy smiles shared between the two say plenty on their own.

Boom Boom Boom Nihonbashi, Tokyo
Although the party may have been winding down before, once the Yokai join the group, things grow very lively very quickly. The classical music playing on the dance floor is replaced with some swinging jazz tunes, and dancers may find themselves literally dancing on air, as the Yokai use their magic to allow for weightlessness on the dance floor. They're being very careful that no one falls, and those affected will find their dance steps unaffected by the chance in altitude, but it's sure to be a little disorienting for some.

In addition to the Uki-laced snacks from before, drinks bearing magical effects are also brought out, with each effect carefully labelled to prevent accidental ingestion. The blue soda bottles cause drinkers to grow or shrink in height or size, in varying degrees of strength. Some may simply grow to a respectable six-feet tall, while others may find themselves shrunk down to no more than six-inches tall! The red berry-flavored drink causes those who drink it to become overtly flirty and confident, earning it the nickname "suave soda". And the mysterious sparkling sake causes those who drink it to become imbued with powerful Kizuna magic, causing severe Kizuna side effects to manifest. Strangely, it seems this one effects Yokai very differently, as the intended effect is simply a magical amplifier. Oops?

But aside from escorting their amorous emperor to his long-awaited date with the other emperor, the Yokai accompanying him have one last present to offer the refugees to make the evening even more magical. As the night grows late, a special spell is cast upon the ceiling, making it entirely transparent. And following a brief countdown, a spectacular show of fireworks is played overhead, visible from all over Tokyo. Magical in nature, the colorful bursts often take the shape of creatures, bounding across the sky before bursting into a brilliant show of light and magic.

By the time the show comes to end, few will have noticed that the clock has long since passed midnight.

Your Best Friend Everywhere, Nippon
It's not until the sun begins to rise that the last of the party goers begin filtering out of the castle and into the streets. Although none of the people sleeping in their homes are aware, it seems yet another time loop has been successfully stopped thanks to the refugees!

...sure, they did cause this one, but it still counts for something!! Though it seems they'll be left with no definitive answer for exactly how the time loop was prevented in the end. Maybe someone just needed to let loose a little for once?

Over the next few days, things really do seem to be progressing as normal. And more importantly, the people seem to be in even higher spirits than before. As another year safely passes by without any word of another loop, the native population begins to feel a true sense of relief, as if this year was proof that the time loop was truly over. Perhaps this is why scienz_rulz_1899 was so insistent that no one else find out the truth: because she knew just how important this peace of mind would be for the people of Nippon.

As thanks for their efforts, all refugees will find a gift addressed them to delivered to wherever it is they're staying -- and regardless of where. How did it find their way to them? It seems she still has her secrets! Each gift will include either a box of fancy pastries, a bottle of wine, or a small amount of money for those who can't enjoy either. And alongside that, an item from their home world that they would be happy to see again.

And at the bottom of each box is a small card, printed in their native tongue: from your best friend, Tomoko.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's December event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• While there is no official dress code, characters will ICly be encouraged to dress up for the occasion! For outfit ideas, consider searching 1920s fashion trends and Taisho era fashion!

• Feel free to make the effects of the paper cranes and drinks as mild or as strong as you'd like! Only the sparkling sake is alcoholic.

• Attempting to destroy the cranes will cause them to fly away. With effort, they can be torn up, but the effects they cause will linger unless burned to ashes. They are not living creatures, so don't feel bad about it.

• Characters who are in one of the upper floors when the fireworks begin will also experience an invisible ceiling. However, thanks to the way the magic works, the floor will not be invisible, and those on the floors below will not see them fuckin'. Unless you want them to, in which case, exactly one room will have this effect for all you exhibitionists out there.

• The item received in their gift from Tomoko/scienz_rulz_1899 can be normal or magical in nature, but it must be something they would want to see again, and something that would realistically fit in a large box. They do not need to attend the Gala to receive this item.

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[brilliantdiamond]

[He follows Kazuha's lead, taking his hand when offered. While he does pass it a glance, it's only out of concern, not wanting to accidentally squeeze too tight and hurt him.]

[Still, he can't mask the way his own expression falls when Kazuha sees right through him. Not that he can say he was really making an effort to hide it -- anyone might have been able to tell, really.]

It hasn't been all bad. Just-- recently, it's been hard.

[...]

My sister was here for a time. But... now she's gone again.

[For all that Aether's journey back in Teyvat had been dedicated to reuniting with his sister, he didn't outwardly show just how much his heart ached from being separated from her. It was only in quiet moments by himself that he typically allowed those feelings to show. But here, those feelings are still raw, and on full display. And no amount of bonds can compensate for the loss of his only family.]

[leafwhistle]

[Aether's concern is sweet. It makes Kazuha's lashes lower, his expression more soft, though he threads his fingers together as if his hand is unhindered by the injury. Politely, instead of putting his hand on the traveler's hip, he curls it under his arm to rest on his shoulder.]

I had the pleasure of meeting her.

[Just a mild comment, no details of when and how. Aether needn't learn that now, when he's in mourning. Kazuha isn't a very talented dancer, but he leads the other man into some slow steps, tipping his head up slightly to look at him.]

It's fine to feel grief at loss. Remember though, as the sun sets, it rises on the next day. Departure is only temporary.

[brilliantdiamond]

[It's subtle enough that he might miss it -- but hearing that Kazuha met her brings the slightest smile to his face. He only wishes circumstances had allowed for him to introduce her to everyone, but the timing was just never right for it.]

[He tries his best to match Kazuha's steps, their pace a bit too slow to really match with the music being played. But as far as he's concerned, just having something else to focus on helps make the words come out easier.]

I know. And if that was the only thing, then... maybe I'd be handling it better.

[Or at least, he wants to believe that he would. But unless another blue crane happens to appear above the pair, he'll refrain from talking about the worst of it, instead redirecting with a shake of his head.]

But I did remember more about Inazuma recently. I think I might even know further ahead than what you've experienced, too.

[leafwhistle]

[It's too slow for the music, but Kazuha is mostly making up the dance as he goes along. His steps are to their own rhythm, but they find a spot in time after a bit.

He keeps a smile on Aether, but his brows knit with some concern at his phrase of wording.]

So there's more than that.

[The mention of Inazuma makes him tilt his head curiously. He's heard bits and pieces, mostly from Ei and Scaramouche. There's been some things he's been anxious about learning.]

My memory remains unchanged since the last time we spoke. The last thing I remember of Teyvat is joining the Sangonomiya forces alongside you in that battle.

[brilliantdiamond]

That was a while ago now for me. The last time I saw you...

[He trails off with a soft hum, wondering if perhaps this wasn't deserving of a bit more fanfare. He doesn't know just how much Kazuha might have already heard about the future, after all. It's hard to keep track when almost no one is on the same page.]

[Perhaps it's because he's focusing on the kinder memories that he at least manages to say this with an earnest smile.]

...you had decided to travel through Liyue, now that the war in Inazuma was over.

[leafwhistle]

[Memories of the war are difficult for Kazuha as well. They've left a mark on him, even if he's distant from it now. He has nightmares that leave him restless, and sometimes his hand aches for reasons he knows are likely psychological. He'd never judge Aether for being affected by things he's seen.

The smile brings an answering one to Kazuha's face, but it winds up widening when he hears the news.]

I had heard of the end of the war from the Narukami Ogosho and Scaramouche, but I had thought I hadn't lived to see it.

[Impulsively, he feels the urge to twist Aether in his arms, his front to the blonde's back, and then he uses the momentum of unfurling him to spin him. His mood's a bit uplifted.]

Liyue. I wonder what I've seen.

[brilliantdiamond]

[He can feel his own mood lifting higher as Kazuha pulls him close and spins him, enough so as to bring soft laughter to his lips. Perhaps for the first time, he feels genuinely grateful to have remembered as much of his journey as he has. Seeing this happy look on Kazuha's face was worth more than a few weeks of sleepless nights.]

You should have more faith in yourself-- you actually saved my life back then.

[The subject surrounding the topic wasn't an easy one to think about, let alone talk about. But for Kazuha's sake, he can manage it. Because the thought of Kazuha going all this time thinking that he'd lost his life upon returning to Inazuma is just far too sad.]

When the Raiden Shogun was about to strike me down... you were the one to jump in and stop her blade.

[leafwhistle]

[This is news that Kazuha wasn't expecting to have tonight, let alone ever. It definitely puts the night into a more positive light for him, even if the impending doom of forgetting it all later still lingers.]

Hah! Impossible.

[He has trouble conceiving it, though he trusts Aether's words. His thumb brushes the other man's palm as he shifts their steps, thinking about how he could have survived such a feat.]

That sounds like something I might do... I would not have allowed another friend to die in front of me. I knew in my heart I'd end up doing something foolish like that. I admit, it's no small part of why I had thought I'd not survived.

[He's troubled now, brow furrowing.]

I've missed much.

[brilliantdiamond]

[He gives Kazuha's hand a gentle squeeze, shifting along with the steps, the smile on his face never waning. It really did sound unbelievable -- and no doubt further details would only push things further. But as he thinks about what else to say, he thinks about just what tonight means in the greater scheme of things, and opts for something different.]

I wouldn't say that -- I've only just remembered it myself, after all. There's so much I'll have to fill you in on... but how about we save that for after midnight?

That way, we'll both have something to look forward to. And... that's something I really need right now.

[Despite all the warnings, he came to this party with no lack of regrets himself. But perhaps he could use this as a means of looking towards the future. A small matter in the grand scheme of things, but if he can just spend the rest of the night looking forward instead of glancing back, maybe he can help push time onward and ensure tomorrow finally comes.]

[leafwhistle]

[A few months ago the gentle squeeze might have hurt his hand still, but the scars have had more time for healing in Nippon. He doesn't feel it quite as well as he might have before the events of Inazuma, but the pressure and sentiment is felt. The troubled creases slowly ease from his expression.]

I think we're due for some time together. I was hoping to spend midnight with another, should I be able to track him down... but tomorrow. Tomorrow, I can dedicate all to you, my friend.

[With all the warm affection in his heart, Kazuha leans forward, pressing a soft kiss against Aether's cheek.]

What would you like to do?

[brilliantdiamond]

[Perhaps it's only because it's Kazuha that Aether doesn't lean away from the easily given affection -- his heart still in a storm of confusion with regards to how to treat this kind of intimacy between friends. But that doesn't stop his cheeks from lighting up with a flush of color all the same.]

Hmm... why don't we go adventuring a little? I've been spending all my time in West -- so I can't say I've seen much of the East outside of Tokyo. And it's always more fun going out with a friend.

[A Christmas Day Adventure!!]

[leafwhistle]

[Aether was one of the few that knew his feelings about his departed friend; Kazuha has always been open and honest about his feelings around the traveler, and it was a refreshing even for him to have someone he is completely frank with.

The dusting of pink across the blonde's cheeks is very cute and the smile that's on Kazuha's lips brightens to his eyes. At the very least, he could share some warmth on this evening, since the other seems troubled so.]

I admit, I've had the same issue myself. Perhaps it's because the West reminds me more of home. Tokyo's steam technology seems quite foreign to me. It sounds just right for a proposed outing.

[A little flush of embarrassment colors his cheeks now, and he lets out an airy laugh of mockery at himself as he twirls Aether to the music.]

Honestly, though, if there is one person who can coax me onto a train, it's you.

[brilliantdiamond]

[He echoes the laugh as he spins, moving to the steps of the dance with just a bit more confidence with each repetition. Despite how long it's been since they've spoken, it feels like no time has passed at all, their friendship easily picking up where it left off.]

It is pretty different from anything back in Inazuma. But the trains open up so much many opportunities here -- I've even heard the train is the only way to travel to the northern regions of Nippon. Apparently there's a city made entirely of ice up north, where crystal flowers bloom all year round!

[What's this future event hint doing in this gay-ass thread]

[He pauses then, letting out a little sigh as his expression grows fond.]

It feels like it's been too long since I've been this excited about traveling. And what better person to draw that out of me than a fellow traveler?

[leafwhistle]

Really? I must see it, sometime soon. Even if it's all year around, surely it's more spectacular in the colder months. If it's some distance, I'll go and maybe purchase a sedative before the trip...

[Aether's expression makes Kazuha's echo it. Soft and fond, like it had been no time since they saw each other. This is easy for him, who was used to coming and going from people's lives. He can see how it'd be hard for some, but Aether seems to have caught up with him as easy as if they saw each other a week ago.

He keeps his eyes on him as he dances, his smile soft across his lips.]

Being a traveler is in your spirit. It's one of the things that drew me to you.

[brilliantdiamond]

I'd be happy to hold your hand during the ride over if you need it.

[He's teasing, but-- it's a sincere offer.]

[His expression grows a bit wistful, the topic a pleasant one -- but tinted with a somber lens given the wider context. It's not like Aether set traveling aside by his own choice, after all. But weekly visits to a healer for his soul meant traveling very far wasn't an option.]

I haven't been able to travel very far because of my health, but... that's all resolved now. So next year, I can finally start exploring this country in earnest.